The second day of Abu Dhabi’s Make it in the Emirates Forum also saw the formation of a new healthcare logistics JV, along with plenty of aviation and marine services agreements.

HEALTHCARE-

AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings have partnered up to launch a new healthcare logistics joint venture (JV) dubbed Docktour on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi’s Make it in the Emirates Forum, according to a statement. The pair agreed to explore the formation of the new JV for the delivery of medical supplies, equipment and pharma goods across Africa earlier this month.The investment ticket and ownership breakdown was not disclosed.

On the cards: The platform aims to modernize medical supply chains, support the development of modular healthcare units — including container-based hospitals and clinics —as well as construct full-service medical infrastructure in Africa. Docktour also looks to set up a series of medical offices across AD Ports’ existing areas of operation in the continent.

Who’s doing what? The new JV will collaborate with Burjeel Holding’s operations and management subsidiary Operonix — an overseer of several large-scale healthcare projects across Africa. AD Ports will leverage its extensive logistics network in the region to facilitate inland transport and provide specialized warehousing and distribution centers as part of the JV.

A growing market: AD Ports retains an extensive operational portfolio across Africa, including in Egypt’s Port Said and Safaga Terminal, Angola’s Lunada Terminal, Congo-Brazzaville, and Tanzania.

On the local side: The firm will engage with regional health authorities, governments. and humanitarian agencies to deliver critical care during emergencies. Docktour will also support local capacity-building efforts with clinical training programmes and the implementation of data-driven inventory management to minimize delays.

ENERGY-

Serh Group to deliver equipment to Adnoc: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) inked an AED 2 bn strategic agreement with Serh Group for the supply of equipment and machinery to support its energy sector projects, according to a statement. The equipment will be delivered over a five-year period.

Who’s Serh Group? The company is the rebranded oil and gas and logistics services firm Al Dhafra Technical Services. The company was created through a merger between Delma Cooperative Society and Al Dhafra Cooperative Society.

AVIATION-

#1- Airbus to source parts locally: Airbus Defence and Space will source supplies from Edge Group’s subsidiary EPI to manufacture and assemble mobile cargo compartment removable tanks (CCRTs), according to a statement. The tanks will streamline aerial refueling, ground support, and extended-range missions, Wam reports.

AND- The Industry and Advanced Technology Ministry (MoIAT) will develop a program with Airbus Africa and Middle East to boost industrial capability, according to a statement. Under the agreement, the pair will develop a long-term collaboration framework which aligns with domestic industrial needs — focusing on supplier development, skill exchange, and the amalgamation of local firms into Airbus’ value chain.

#2- Sanad acquires Trent 700 engines from Etihad: Mubadala-owned Sanad acquired a batch of Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines from Etihad Airways, as the carrier retires its A330ceo fleet, Wam reports. The Trent 700 powers the Airbus A330. Sanad is currently the only independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider with a long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce for this engine type.

REMEMBER- Sanad has been expanding its engine asset base amid rising demand for mid-life platforms and ongoing supply chain delays in new aircraft deliveries. It opened new MRO facilities in February and December, following an August partnership with Airbus to provide engine servicing. Sanad currently supports about 25% of the global Trent 700 fleet.

#3- ADNOC L&S to trial Regent transport operations: Adnoc Logistics and Services is running a proof-of-concept trial to evaluate using US-based Regent ’s Viceroy electric seaglider to shuttle staff between land and offshore energy sites, according to a statement. The US-built craft can carry 12 people or 1.6 tonnes of cargo at up to 300 km/h for routes over 300km and uses a hybrid mode of floating, foiling and flying. The craft cut operational costs by up to 80% when compared with helicopters, and following a trial they would be deployed across Adnoc L&S’ offshore logistics operations.

Local build, local ops: Regent will manufacture the seaglider in the UAE and provide maintenance services from the country as well. The trial will be run by a UAE-based operator.

MARINE-

IHC marine solutions subsidiary Al Seer Marine inked a AED 47.6 mn contract to provide Albwardy Damen with interceptor vessels, according to a press release (pdf). The vessels are set to be delivered within 42 months and will be used as offshore patrol vessels. The boats will be fully designed and built in the UAE. Al Seer recently inked an AED 1.3 bn contract with Tawazun Council to provide it with naval vessels, and secured two AED 275.2 mn medium-range tankers from K Shipbuilding Korea.

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